The Mind Of Jesus

The apostle Paul admonishes us to develop the mind of Jesus.  He wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). What does this mean? In the immediate context of Philippians 2 the idea is developing a humble, selfless outlook. Paul went on from this verse to discuss how Jesus, through God, surrendered His equality with the Godhead, and became a willing servant.  His position as a servant led to death on the cross at Calvary (see verses 6-9).

If we are to develop the mind of Jesus we must first surrender our rights and assume the position of servants both to God and our brethren in the local congregation.  Jesus had every right under Jewish law to be freed for numerous violations of the law during His trial. But He did not because He was serving God and all humanity, and that service required that He humble Himself and become “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (verse 8).  We must be servants if we are to have the mind of Jesus.

But in the greater context of the New Testament we need to develop other traits possessed by our Lord if we are to have the mind of Jesus.  We must have compassion as He did.  On several occasions the writers of the gospel records tell of Jesus having compassion for the people He met.  Mark, for example, records that Jesus “moved with compassion, put forth his hand” and healed a leper who ask for help (Mark 1:41).  To have the compassion of Jesus we must see people the way Jesus did and then act as best we can. This is one way we demonstrate our faith according to James (see chapter 2).  Our compassion put into action will be brought out at the judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).

Another aspect of the mind of Jesus is anger.  Not just anger, but anger at sinful attitudes and actions.   Mark records an incident that took place during a synagogue service on the Sabbath day.  The leaders of the Jews watched him to see if Jesus would heal a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath.  Mark records “when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts” (Mark 3:5).  We should be angry at the hardness of hearts today.  For example, those who have lost all respect for human life - whether in the womb, the hospital bed, or nursing home.

We also need concern for the lost.  Jesus came to seek and to save the lost according to Luke 19:10.  That was the main purpose and primary focus of his earthly existence.  He handed that mission over to the disciples just prior to His return to the Father as recorded in Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16; Luke 24:45-48.

Let us develop the mind of Jesus.  We must have the attitude of servants, compassion toward the needy, anger at the hardhearted, and focus on reaching out to the lost with the message of salvation.

—Denny